How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of taking a shower only to find that the water isn’t draining and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it can be. Not only does it slow down your morning routine it could also make it more difficult to clean up after having finished. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they may also damage your pipes and harm the environment. The good news lies in the a lot of methods that are natural to unblock a shower drain without resorting to harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners may harm pipes and the environment.
- There are several natural methods to unblock the drain of a shower, such as using baking soda, vinegar and a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum.
- Use baking soda and vinegar method, gather materials, take off the drain cover and any debris, then pour baking soda and vinegar. Wait for 30 minutes and then flush with boiling water.
- Wire hanger method use a straight wire hanger while leaving one end in its original form, create a hook at the end, insert it inside the drain, and then use it to pull hair and other debris out.
- Method for wet/dry vacuums Set the vacuum in "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing with cloth or tape, join the hose and create an airtight seal. Turn off the vacuum after three minutes.
- To prevent future blockages, use hair strainers in your shower, running hot water following each usage and avoiding the practice of pouring grease down your drains.
Method 1: Bake Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To start you can gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2: Prepare the Drain
Clean the shower drain whenever possible. Use the small brush or toothbrush to get rid of dirt or hair from the drain’s edges. Wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3. Pour in Baking Soda as well as Vinegar
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a Cup of white vinegar. Make sure to cover with a rag or cloth. Cover the drain immediately with a clean cloth or a rag to ensure that the reaction doesn’t explode out of control!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes as the mix does its work. It should sound like there is a fizz and bubbling. That’s a sign that it’s working!
Step 5: Flush with Boiling Water
Remove the cover with care and flush with boiling water. This should clear all debris remaining and help ensure that your water is flowing freely.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a reliable wire hanger:
Step 1: Straighten It Out
Straighten the wire hanger as far as you can while leaving one end of the hanger in its original shape.
Step 2: Create a Hook
Make a small hook at the top of the wire that you just straightened.
Step 3: Search for Hair and Debris
Insert the hook into the drain and look for hair and debris. Take out whatever comes up.
Method 3: Dry Vacuum Wet
If you’re in possession of an air-tight vacuum the following method may be for you:
Step 1: Set the Vacuum
Set the vacuum to "liquids" as well as "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Drainage
Make sure to cover any drains that have overflows using either duct tape or wet cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Attach Hose to Drain
Attach the hose onto your drain, creating an air-tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Start the vacuum, and allow it to run for around three minutes. This will help clear any obstructions in your shower drain.
| Method | Supplies Needed | Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Baking Soda and Vinegar | Baking soda, white vinegar, boiling water, rubber gloves (optional), cloth or rag | 1. Gather supplies\n2. Prepare the drain\n3. Pour in baking soda and vinegar\n4. Wait for 30 minutes\n5. Flush with boiling water |
| Wire Hanger | Wire hanger | 1. Straighten it out\n2. Create a hook\n3. Fish for hair and debris |
| Wet/Dry Vacuum | Wet/dry vacuum, duct tape or wet cloth | 1. Set the vacuum to "liquids" or "wet" mode\n2. Cover overflow drain \n3. Attach hose to drain \n4. Turn on vacuum |
Frequently Asked Question
How can I tell whether my shower drain is blocked?
If your shower takes longer than usual to fill, or water is pooling around your feet while you shower, it’s an indication that your drain may be partially or fully clogged. Additionally, a foul odor coming from the shower area may also be a sign of a blocked drain.
What are the best natural methods to unblock the shower drain?
Try pouring boiling water into the drain, followed by the baking soda mixture and then vinegar. You can also use the mixture of salt and baking soda, followed by boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger may also help.
Do I need to utilize chemical drain cleaners free my shower?
It’s not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners because they contain harmful chemicals that could harm the pipes over time. They can also be harmful to the surroundings and pose health risks to those who handle the products improperly.
What should I do if I need to call an experienced plumber to fix my shower drain that is blocked?
If DIY techniques don’t work in unblocking your shower drain, it’s best to call a professional plumber like Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers in Sydney for assistance. Other indications that you require assistance from a professional include the water coming out of other toilets or drains, odd gurgling sounds coming from pipes or the smell of rotten food coming out of the drains after cleaning them.
How much will it cost to get a blocked shower drain fixed by an experienced plumber?
The cost to fix blocked shower drains can differ based on the severity of the issue as well as where you reside. In the average, it will cost between $100-$300 for a plumber to unblock the drain of a shower. However, more severe situations which require pipe repair or replacements can cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Clearing out a blocked shower drain can be stressful however there are a variety of ways to tackle the problem without resorting to harsh chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you use baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a vacuum cleaner that is wet/dry, be sure to stop future blockages using a hair strainer in your shower or shower, and then running hot water following every use, and avoid using grease into your drains. If none of these options succeed, it’s an appropriate time to seek professional assistance. If you’re struggling with a difficult or having trouble with plumbing problems in Sydney , contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers now!
Additional Information
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
- What You Need to Know About Blocked Drains and How to Resolve Them
- Get Rid of Drain Blockages Permanently with These Tested Approaches
- DIY Hacks: Your Quick Guide to Clearing Blocked Drains
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- Find the trusted plumber for your backed up drain emergency
- Save Money with These Simple Drain Maintenance Techniques
- Keeping Costly Drain Repairs at Bay with Routine Inspections
- Finding & Identifying a Clogged Drain: Tricks and Techniques
- CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes
